Construction crews are working around the clock to complete the brand new multi million dollar downtown ballpark that will be the home of the El Paso Chihuahuas.

Despite their tireless efforts the ballpark will not be completed in time for the previously scheduled home opener of Friday April, 11.  MountainStar Sports Group met with the City of El Paso Project Manager and decided to move opening day to April 28th.  The Chihuahuas will open their brand new ballpark with a four game set against the Fresno Grizzles followed by an additional four game series verses the Sacramento River Cats.

Alan Ledford, president of MounatinStar Sports Group had this to say regarding the delay of the opening of the downtown ballpark.

"While there was a possibility that the home opener could be played on April 11th, we want to ensure we can offer the quality ballpark experience that El Paso deserves and that we are ready for all aspects of family-friendly fun,” said Alan Ledford, President of MountainStar Sports Group."

The Chihuahuas will play their April 11th–14th games against the Reno Aces in Tucson.  Ledford went on to say that the adjustment of the home opening date will allow construction crews the critical time required to prepare the ballpark for “a great experience” on April 28th.  Public safety components, concession spaces, and state-of-the-art amenities will be finalized during this time.  The Chihuahuas will play on the road for the four games that were originally scheduled here in El Paso.

Ledford also added, “We have one chance to do opening day right and we owe it to the community to make sure that first impression of every detail in the ballpark is unforgettable.  This is as much about the whole ballpark experience as it is about playing baseball.  April 28th will be worth the wait.”

There is no doubt that there will be some fans who are upset about this delay, I can't say that it is at all a surprise to me and many other people as well.  With a little more the two months before the season starts the ballpark's skeleton is in tact but there is still a lot of work to be done.  Many fans may also be upset that the Chihuahuas will not play their first home stand here at Cohen Stadium as opposed to Tucson, at this point we all just have to grin and bear it.

 

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